At the January 20 School Committee Meeting there was an Athletics Program Update, FY27 Budget Discussion, and a Pollard Middle School Project Update. SC also voted on the 2026-27 Middle & High School Program of Studies and the Superintendent’s SY27 School Budget Recommendation & Town IT Budget Recommendation.
School Committee and subcommittee Updates
- Liz Lee commented on the success of Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
- School Committee and Dr. Gutekanst will attend tomorrow’s finance meeting
Superintendent Updates:
- The High Rock School was recognized at the State House.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Athletic Program Update
Athletic Director Ryan Madden presented successes within the athletic department.
Students presented a collaboration video of the athletics program.
Athletic Budget Update
Discussion of overall budget related to enrollment, coaching stipends, fees, transportation and overall program offerings. Details of the budget request can be found in the packet.
- Asking for an increase of $100,000 for athletic budget to help cover increased transportation & venue costs. Goal to cover needs without significantly increasing athletic participation fees.
- Athletic Department is currently engaged in a sustainability study to evaluate expenses and figure out savings opportunities. Difficult challenge because many costs are fixed no matter how many students are participating each year. Already working on streamlining transportation to decrease costs.
Questions focused on how to manage costs and also maximize student involvement. The athletic budget request will be reviewed by SC and voted on at the next meeting.
FY27 Budget Discussion
Dr. Gutekanst presented the budget with adjustments for a vote. Details of the budget request have been discussed in previous SC meetings. All budget information posted here.
Pollard Middle School Building Update
Dr Gutekanst and Alisa Skatrud gave an update on the Pollard design process. The design team along with Dr. Gutekanst will present the following designs to the MSBA for approval.
- This is not a final design but a schematic based on the December submission to the MSBA. There have been further improvements and potential solutions discussed since then.
- Fields in front by Harris Avenue. Parking will be covered by solar canopies.
- Plan for separation of parent dropoff and bus dropoff
- Planning for geothermal wells and stormwater infiltration
ACTION ITEMS
Middle School and High School Program of Studies Previously presented at SC meetings. Some language has been updated and are noted in the packet. Approved 7-0-0
Approve Fees for FY27 Revolving Funds: Needham Community Education, Preschool, and Transportation Approved 7-0-0
FY 2026/27 Revolving Funds Approved 7-0-0
FY27 School Operating Budget Approved 7-0-0
FY27 Town IT Budget Approved 7-0-0
School Committee Comments
- Pollard School presenting winter musical in February
The next School Committee meeting will be February 3, 2026